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Oral Surgery · single question

Which nerve is MOST LIKELY to be damaged during extraction of a mandibular third molar?

  1. Inferior alveolar nerve
  2. Facial nerve
  3. Lingual nerve
  4. Buccal nerve
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Inferior alveolar nerve

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the most commonly damaged nerve in mandibular third molar extraction (0.4–13.4% temporary, up to 2% permanent). The IAN runs in the mandibular canal adjacent to third molar roots. Source confirms: 'Inferior alveolar nerve' (boxed = correct).
  • A. CORRECT. IAN = most commonly damaged nerve. Runs in mandibular canal adjacent to third molar roots.
  • B. Facial nerve is NOT at risk during standard third molar extraction (risk with too-posterior IAN block injection).
  • C. Lingual nerve is also at significant risk (~4.4% temporary) but IAN is more commonly reported as the most likely.
  • D. Buccal nerve supplies buccal mucosa only — not the primary at-risk nerve.

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